Tayvallich and Loch Sween

We are fortunate to be staying at a cottage in the picturesque fishing village of Tayvallich, on one side we have Carsaig Bay which overlooks the sound of Jura with Jura in the distance. But on this side Tayvallich overlooks Loch Sween. This really is a complex tidal sea loch with many inlets and countless small islands to paddle and explore. Great forests line the shores of this impressive waterway. It reminds me very much on how I imagine Canada to be. There is so much wildlife to see, this week so far we have seen otters, red dear, osprey and sea eagles - and of course many, many curious common seals.
 On the nearest fresh water lochs just minutes away from Tayvallich beavers have been re-introduced and are doing amazing - no less than 17 of them prospering really well. Fiona and Anthony have been exploring the loch and its many small tributaries on paddle boards, I chose the more traditional Canadian Canoe, it just felt the right craft for this beautiful area. Good tidal planning is necessary as many of the small inlets dry up at low water and the tidal streams can be quite strong around the entrances of these waterways.

Isle of Gigha Circumnavigation

Extraordinary glassy conditions and a beautiful island. 35 kilometres covered and a journey time of over 7 hours.

Cleethorpes SUP Festival & Party

It was a real pleasure to be invited to assist with the safety cover of this lovely event. With over 40 paddlers on the water and a gusting off shore wind we needed to be on the ball. Needless to say, the wind dropped away and everyone had great fun..

Eliza's First SUP Journey

It was a real pleasure to accompany Elizaveta on her first proper SUP journey. It was blustery and the sun shone infrequently but it was still a fab day and the girl did amazing.

Grandchildren go Paddling

The first time the Grandkids have ever gone paddling. Last year we couldn't get Lottie near a boat or board, what a difference a year makes. Even Penny enjoyed the experience at just 1 year old. Sams first time on a board too, a little spill early on but she carried on to become a real natural. We had to work hard to get Stu in the water with him having progressed last year but a few challenges soon had him face planting the wet stuff.. A truly wonderful weekend....

Porth Dafarch - Trearddur Bay, Anglesey

We had to shoot up to Holyhead this weekend to collect a new sea kayak for a customer. It would be rude to go all that way and not wet a paddle blade. We did manage to spend all evening in the Paddlers Return Pub so with slightly sore heads we planned something easy. A simple journey that we've done many times in sea kayaks although we stayed away from the tide races and overfalls that this area is renown for.

Yet Another Paddle to the Pub

A lovely evening for the short journey to the Crown and Anchor..

Wilfholme, River Hull

Just a few images from me today as I was busy looking after our paddlers. BIG well done to Ebony who did amazing on her first paddle trip with us...

To the Trout Inn

A lovely chilled few hours with a pint in the Trout Inn, a little rain but not enough to bother us....

Whitton Island (Humber) Circumnavigation

This little trip has been on my 'to do' list for some time. Plenty of tide assist and a total distance of 19 Nautical Miles ( 36kms ) Whitton Island is an island situated at the western end of the Humber Estuary in northern England. The almond-shaped island straddles the county boundary between the counties of East Riding of Yorkshire to the north and North Lincolnshire which otherwise runs over tidal water roughly along the centre line of the estuary. Parts of the island fall within the boundaries of four civil parishes. Only in recent years has the island emerged sufficiently from the mud and sand bank known as Whitton Sand to be mapped by the Ordnance Survey as a new feature. Whitton Sands forms a part of the Humber Wildfowl Refuge. Whitton Island is owned by Associated British Ports. In March 2017 the RSPB signed a 50-year lease on the island to manage it as a Nature Reserve.

Jura Exped

7 days and 170 kilometres covered on this amazing expedition around Jura, taking in the Garvellachs, Scaba and Islay. Paddling some of the most challenging waters of the Western Isles including Grey Dogs, The Corryvreckan and the Doris Mor. We wild camped on remote and beautiful beaches carrying everything we needed in our boats, a truly wild and amazing adventure.

SUP in Loch Crinan

I headed up to north west Scotland early, specifically to get my board out and explore this beautiful sea lock..

KKC River Hull Litter Pick

Awesome people doing Amazing things.... Thank you to everyone who came to assist today. It was a bit cold and windy on the way up but every one of you gave it your all... and what a result... thank you all so much and well done..

The Menai Straits

A simple but fun day on this favourite piece of water to celebrate Rods 70th, neap tides so not a great deal happening but we made the most of every little wave and every eddy line. Great fun and lovely company.

Dacre Lake with the East Coast Sup Group

A fun couple of hours on the water today assisting and delivering simple skills, followed by coffee at Burts, how Saturday mornings should be...